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Plan Your Day Trip to Goblin Valley State Park Travel Guide
Goblin Valley State Park is known for its 1000s of stone gnomes. You will find toadstools, hoodoos, petroglyphs, and pictographs in the park. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, and disc golf are all popular day trip activities. The park is divided into three valleys: 1, 2, and 3. You are excited to visit Goblin Valley State Park and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting Goblin Valley State Park while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this Goblin Valley State Park travel blog.
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Where is Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is located in southeastern Utah’s San Rafael Desert 80 miles southwest of Green River off Hwy 24. This is one of Utah’s most popular state parks and a convenient day trip stop when traveling between Capitol Reef National Park and Arches National Park.
Facts About Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park became a state reserve in 1954 to protect it from vandalism. It was designated a state park in 1964
This is a small park, the valley is 1 mile long and 2 miles wide.
These hoodoo formations were created by spheroidal weathering that began 170 million years old and continues.
The red cliffs surrounding the valley will become goblins in the next few million years.
The average rate of erosion on a hoodoo is 2-4 feet every 100 years.
Damaging a hoodoo is a felony!
Goblin Valley State Park is an International Dark Sky Park free of light pollution.
Goblin Valley was the setting for the 1999 film Galaxy Quest.
Best Time of Year to Visit Goblin Valley State Park
Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures. Cacti bloom from April through June. Summer temperatures reach over 100 degrees with minimal shade. Thunderstorms, lightning, and flash floods may occur during summer afternoons. Temperatures drop to below freezing in the winter and snow is possible.
Accommodation in Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park has a main campground with 25 sites, 14 RV spaces, and 2 yurts. Free dispersed camping is available at the San Rafael Swell. Hotels are located in nearby Hanksville or Green River.
Things to Do at Goblin Valley State Park
Photograph the Three Sisters and valley floor from Observation Point.
Wander through Goblin Valley to see the goblins up close.
Take advantage of the barbeques and have a picnic.
Hike 2.6 miles RT through Entrada Canyon to a viewpoint.
Take the Curtis Bench Trail 2.1 miles RT along the ridge overlooking the park.
Follow the 1.5-mile Carmel Canyon loop to Molly’s Castle.
Hike the 3-mile Goblin’s Lair Trail for views of Molly’s Castle and Gilson Buttes.
Repel into Goblin’s Liar Cavern (permit required).
Mountain bike the Wild Horse Mesa Mountain Bike Trail.
Hike and rock scramble the nearby 8-mile RT trail through Little Wild Horse Canyon’s slot.
Be sure to check the Goblin Valley State Park Service for current events.
Tips for Visiting Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
2-3 hours is enough time to explore this park.
Dogs are allowed on leash.
Drones can be used with a permit purchased at the visitor center.
Arrive early, parking is limited.
Expect weekend crowds from March through June.
Watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions
There are no services. Fill your gas tank and bring food/water with you.
Drink at least 1 gallon of water per day when hiking in the desert.
Check the state park website for the Dark Sky Forecast.
The cutoff road to reach Molly’s Castle is not appropriate for passenger cars, a 4×4 is needed.
If a thunderstorm approaches, shelter from lightning in your vehicle.
Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails or any unpaved areas.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks.
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